Game time for the B and C-squad is 6 p.m. , with the C-squad
at the Prairie Pavilion next Tuesday night.

Boys hoop program boasts big numbers

The Panther boys' basketball practice began Monday at the high
school gymnasium for the 2003-04 season. There were 36 aspirants
out in grades 9-12 and 41 in the seventh and eighth grades.

"We have a large number of kids out for basketball,
especially in the lower grades," said Panther Coach Nat
Boyer. "They are hungry for some successes."

Boyer is still looking for volunteer coaches to help in the
six Saturday sessions in November and December planned to get
kids in the first, second and third grades started playing
basketball. He is also scheduling local tournaments for kids in
grades 4-5-6 during the season.

The Panthers return six letter winners from last season (five
seniors and one junior). The lettermen, along with last season's
B-squad, have gained experience by playing in about 40 games
during the summer months.

"The kids have retained the fundamentals learned last
year and have been hitting the weight room to prepare for this
season," said Boyer.

The Panther's season begins at Bird Island on Tuesday, Dec. 9
against BOLD. They open their home schedule on Friday, Dec. 12
against Redwood Valley with the C-squad game at the Prairie
Pavilion and the B-squad at the high school starting at 6 p.m.

Optimism reigns as wrestlers get ready

The Panther wrestling team began practice
sessions for the 2003-4 season Monday at the Prairie Pavilion.
Twenty-eight athletes reported.

The Panther will open their season at Maynard,
on Tuesday, Dec. 9, participating in a triangular with MACCRAY,
Renville County West and Benson.

Since three of the four teams were 212
Conference members Coach Travis Christenson was asked who in the
conference would be favored this season.

"BOLD is always tough in the 212
Conference," said Christenson. "I am not sure if their
football program feeds off their wrestling program or if their
wrestling program feeds off their football program. Both are very
good. We see a lot of second and third generation wrestlers at
BOLD."

The Panthers have 14 letter winners back from
last season, bringing experience at almost every weight level.

"We will be better than last season!"
exclaimed Christenson. The Panther have their home opener
Thursday, Dec. 11 when they host a triangular with Pipestone and
Red Rock Central. B-squad action begins at 5 p.m.